A call for urgent reform in the remuneration of traditional leaders echoed through Ntlo ya Dikgosi on Wednesday, as Specially Elected Member Kgosi Tumaeletse IV questioned the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs over persistent disparities in the Bogosi salary structure.
Kgosi Tumaeletse urged Minister Ketlhalefile Motshegwa to acknowledge and correct what he described as salary injustices affecting Dikgosi and other traditional leadership positions. He proposed a comprehensive restructuring plan that would elevate the salaries of all twelve Dikgosi recognized under Section 77 (1)(a)(i)-(xii) of the Constitution to the E band salary scale. He also called for Mothusa Kgosi and Headmen of Records to be remunerated at the D1 salary scale, equivalent to that of Urban Customary Court Presidents.
In addition, he proposed that Moemela Mothusa Kgosi yo Mogolwane be placed at the D2 salary scale, while Moemela Mothusa Kgosi be remunerated at D3. Kgosi Tumaeletse further suggested the creation of a new post—Mogolwane wa Motse, or Senior Member of the Tribe—to be employed and remunerated at the D4 salary scale based on merit, competence, academic qualifications, and experience. Finally, he proposed that Headmen of Arbitration be employed on a permanent and pensionable basis and placed on a C4 to C1 multiple grading scale, also based on merit and qualifications.
In his response, the Minister denied the existence of salary disparities among the 12 constitutionally recognized Dikgosi, stating that no unfairness had been noted by the Ministry. He, however, acknowledged that concerns raised by the House member would be addressed as part of the ongoing Constitutional review.
He clarified that Mothusa Kgosi and Urban Customary Court Presidents are currently remunerated at the D1 scale, while Headmen of Records are placed at the C1 scale. The Ministry, he added, has no plans to upgrade the Headman of Record position to D1.
The Minister further pointed out that the current Bogosi structure does not officially recognize titles such as Moemela Mothusa Kgosi yo Mogolwane or Moemela Mothusa Kgosi. Instead, it recognizes the position of Mothusa Kgosi yo Mogolwane, who is remunerated at D2, and Moemela Kgosi, who is remunerated at D4. He acknowledged the structural gap between these two positions and stated that the ongoing review of the Bogosi Act contains recommendations aimed at closing that gap.
On the matter of Mogolwane wa Motse, Motshegwa said the Ministry has no intention to formalize or remunerate the role. He emphasized that such individuals serve only in a temporary capacity during chieftaincy successions, and their responsibilities do not attract salaries or allowances under the Bogosi Act.
Addressing the status of Headmen of Arbitration, the Minister confirmed that their employment terms would be determined following the review of the Bogosi Act of 2008. He said their remuneration will be set based on administrative processes that define their duties and determine the appropriate salary grading.
As debates around traditional leadership structures continue, the government’s position signals that while immediate reforms may not be forthcoming, long-term restructuring could be on the horizon through legislative review.
